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No, the advice wasn't "marry a hot sideline reporter", although that IS good advice.

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_26 ... ian-ponder

Well that explains the last two games.

Bada-bing!

"I don't know about you, brah, but whenever I get into the Red Zone I just close my eyes and let 'er rip."

Seriously though, if anybody can give advice on how to handle failure ...

BAH! I CAN'T STOP! WHY CAN'T I STOP!?

I'm sure Ponder has some useful information to pass along. I hope Teddy handles the adversity better than Ponder seemed to.

Stare down the receiver the whole play, and then throw it !!

I've heard a few times that Ponder is by far the best looking QB in practice. However, we all know what happens when he takes the field and that is his problem. One could certainly see a case where a guy like Ponder might be a better coach than a player. He certainly has the smarts for it, just terrible instincts on the field.

mansquatch wrote:I've heard a few times that Ponder is by far the best looking QB in practice. However, we all know what happens when he takes the field and that is his problem. One could certainly see a case where a guy like Ponder might be a better coach than a player. He certainly has the smarts for it, just terrible instincts on the field.

I agree. Basically, that's probably why Ponder is the right guy to talk to Bridgewater. Ponder has made all the same mistakes and knows the repercussions that can follow them.

Christian Ponder sort of reminds me of Alex Smith, although the Niners stuck with Smith a lot longer. Smith was a huge tutor to Kaepernick, who many credit with Colin's huge sucess out of the gates. Smith turned into a pretty good quarterback as far as I'm concerned. No world beater, but uber-efficient and doesn't make the big mistake. Not sure if I see that for Ponder though. He's got too much Blaine Gabbert in him.

Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.

Ponder: Hey Teddy i got some advice for you, would you like to hear it?
Bridgewater: Sure.
Ponder: Whatever you do dont take any advice from me, do the opposite.
Bridgewater: Thats good advice

nightowl wrote:Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.

Gads, I have always detested that quote. Most of the great teachers I had over the course of my life were experts, or near-experts, in what they were teaching. They all could "do" to one degree or another, but they had IMMENSE teaching talent and a desire to pass on their knowledge. I see Ponder in the same light. He watches film, he practices well, he has never been in the news for missing meetings nor for not giving his all to prepare. He has a wealth of knowledge, but for some reason, has not been able to perform. Maybe his talent truly lies in passing along that knowledge.

If you want proof of the different talent it takes to be a great player vs. a great coach, look at how many journeyman players have become excellent coaches, while superstars have pretty much been "meh".

You guys are projecting yourselves into a situation you do not perfectly understand. None of us perfectly understand it unless someone in here has played pro ball before and we do not know it.

Ponder's issues are not physical at all. It is purely his head during that three to five seconds between when the ball snaps until he delivers the pass on game day. For whatever the reason(s) he just loses it in that time frame when it really matters. I'm sure he knows exactly what he is supposed to do and how he is supposed to think and everything else. For some reason, he just can't do it during those three to five seconds.

I do not think that inability, which is only a liability in the NFL, precludes him from having something positive to offer on the sideline. But maybe I'm wrong.

mansquatch wrote:You guys are projecting yourselves into a situation you do not perfectly understand. None of us perfectly understand it unless someone in here has played pro ball before and we do not know it.

Ponder's issues are not physical at all. It is purely his head during that three to five seconds between when the ball snaps until he delivers the pass on game day. For whatever the reason(s) he just loses it in that time frame when it really matters. I'm sure he knows exactly what he is supposed to do and how he is supposed to think and everything else. For some reason, he just can't do it during those three to five seconds.

I do not think that inability, which is only a liability in the NFL, precludes him from having something positive to offer on the sideline. But maybe I'm wrong.

I think you're right on target, as is Brian's post. Ponder is an intelligent man who I believe comprehends the game of pro football but simply can't be a star on the field. I have no problem envisioning him as being a source of knowledge for a rookie player. Who knows? He could end up being a position coach or more.

Ponders advise......always wear Depends on game days.....

those who can do can't teach? that is a sweeping generalization that is more false than true. many players have gone on to be excellent coaches, especially in hockey.